Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 6/3/2021 + 2617 more book reviews

Good friends to lovers story. Jocelyn lives with her father and brother in the Dower House at Edge Hall. The Duke employs her father and brother to translate Greek texts of Euripides into English, while Jocelyn ostensibly writes it all down. In truth, Jocelyn is far more involved than anyone knows, and exposure would mean disaster for her family. One of the benefits of being at Edge Hall is Jocelyn's friendship with estate manager Alex Cheverton.

Alex is a distant cousin of the Duke's, who hired him as manager straight out of Oxford. In the six years since then, Alex grew into the job and gained an excellent reputation. He owns a small estate where his mother and sister live, while his position at Edge Hall provides the money needed to support them. One of the bright spots of a somewhat quiet existence is his friendship with Jocelyn.

I enjoyed the relationship between Jocelyn and Alex. They've known each other since she was sixteen and have an outwardly sibling-like relationship. They tease and torment each other like brother and sister, but there is an undercurrent of something more they try to ignore. Jocelyn's crush on Alex grew into love, but she sees no future in it. She avoids thoughts of marriage because she won't give up her scholarly work for any man. Alex becomes more aware of Jocelyn's charms, but after a disastrous romance as a youth, he refuses to allow himself any extreme emotions. A spontaneous and unexpected kiss stirs up feelings that neither welcomes and though they agree to ignore it, returning to their previously uncomplicated friendship proves impossible.

Matters become more complicated when the Duke's son dies, and Alex discovers he is the new heir. The Duke summons Alex to London, where he begins Alex's training in ducal duties, including the necessity to marry the "right" woman. Alex, who never expected to be in this position, knows his duty but desperately misses Jocelyn and his simpler life. Meanwhile, Jocelyn's great aunt, Lady Bellingame, invites her to London with the intent of finding Jocelyn a husband. While she has no intention to marry, Jocelyn accepts the invitation in the hopes of seeing Alex a few more times before they must part permanently.

I ached for Alex, who wanted to do right by the Duke and follow his advice. He's a bit overwhelmed by everything, and stolen moments with Jocelyn are a relief. I loved those times together and seeing how perfect they are together. While Alex can accept the various responsibilities that face him, the marriage requirement hits him hard. Though he originally planned a passionless marriage, when faced with the Duke's choice, Alex faces a difficult choice.

Meanwhile, Jocelyn gained a persistent suitor who appears to accept her for who she is. But can she trust him with her secret, and what about her feelings for Alex? There's a beautiful moment when Jocelyn and Alex share a dance, with their feelings vividly apparent on their faces. Though Alex now knows his mind and heart, Jocelyn fears his reaction to her secret and pushes him away, and the Duke makes his displeasure known. I loved the confrontation with the Duke and Alex's masterful handling of it. I loved the ending as Alex finds the way to win his heart's desire. Everything wrapped up quite neatly.

I liked the brief scenes with Alex's friends, whom I assume will be the subjects of the next two books in the series. All three of them have challenges to face. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for Gregory and Crispin.

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